MMJ insiders often say 25 is the magic number when it comes to medical marijuana legalization. When half the states in the nation pass medical cannabis laws, the thinking goes, the federal government will be forced to reconsider its position on the drug.

The Marijuana Policy Project hopes to help the U.S. hit that number – and in fact exceed it – in a little over two years. The organization, which works to reform cannabis laws, has set an aggressive goal of getting to 28 states with MMJ laws by the end of 2014. It posted a short video on YouTube this week outlining the goal and is using it as the centerpiece for a fundraising effort.

So which states stand the best chance of legalizing medical marijuana in the near future according to MPP? Arkansas, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

“With the passage of each new state law, many thousands of seriously ill patients will be protected from arrest,” MPP wrote on its site. “And, of course, each time we get one step closer to convincing Congress to change federal law — which is the ultimate goal.”

Getting another 11 states on board in just under three years seems a bit optimistic, given that in most years the industry is lucky if two or three states legalize medical marijuana. But we could very well see a domino effect as the scales tip more in favor of MMJ across the country and medical marijuana becomes less controversial in general.

It would be nice to start a grass roots movement to get rid of the national senators and congressmen, who don’t accomplish anything anyway. We can keep the executive side, but only the President and VP and should retire the whole cabinet. Definitely get rid of the legislative branch completely. Leave state governing to the states alone. While were at it, we should decrease the military spending size and budget by at least 1/2. We should also retire the IRS, CIA, FBI, DEA, NSF, FTC, FDA and another other three letter and government agencies. Why provide jobs to these groups simply to restrict individual freedoms? Last, bring back the original Bill of Rights and follow it to the letter.

@ Erik Von. As far as I know, HB30 is still on the ballot for Nov. I know we fell a few votes shy last round, but I think positive things to come our way in the Windy City. You can google HB30 or House Bill 30 and get more info. hope this helps. God Bless…